Some top sport on region’s stillwaters

Jul 9 2010 The Journal

WITH the Tyne at its lowest level for some time fishing has still been tough on the rivers, but again stillwaters such as The Angel complex have been providing great sport, where some excellent weights have been coming from all three lakes as fish feed up post spawning.

While Lookout has been producing superb catches, Bowes has been yielding large carp to prawn, banded pellets and mussel.

Bassetts has continued its success with lots of groups coming in to learn to fish, with Shaun Rippley getting 86 fish in his first three-hour session.

Recently local fish stocks got a real boost with the Environment Agency stocking the following fish courtesy of a welcome over production at Calverton Fish Farm.The River Wear received 6,000 young dace and chub, while Durham City's Brasside Ponds was presented with 1,500 fish and the Pont received 6,000 grayling fry in response to the recent fish kill.

Also, in a joint venture with the Environment Agency Whittle Dene received a mixed stocking of 3,500 skimmers and crucian carp, this now increases the total fish stocked this year to over 6,000. All of the fish have been stocked into the Northern and Lower Match Lakes.

Sunday's open on Lookout saw Peter Cairns win with 79lb 11oz. Friday's afternoon Open on Lookout saw Dave Catchyside win with 93lb 5oz, while Wednesday's three-hour match on Bowes was won by John Foster with 50lb 12oz.

Sunday's Super league match on the Tees at Yarm. was won by Ashley Clements with three bream and 12 skimmers for 19lb 12oz, while Middlesbrough AC's match on the Swale was won by Stan Haigh, who caught 40 chub using stick float for a superb return of 82lb.

It has just been confirmed that funds will be available this year for contributions to fencing at fisheries affected by otter predation. The process is unchanged from last year, but funding is limited. Therefore, if any club or riparian owner want to explore the possibility of this funding let the E.A. know as soon as possible by contacting Linzi Reid, either by phone on 0191 203 4022 or via e mail at linzi.reid@environment-agency.gov.uk

The Environment Agency would like to make anglers aware of a new river level page on the Agency website visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/riverlevels/ 120538.aspx

Diary dates

Saturday: Lower Tees Association fish a monthly match on Bowesfield, while Big Waters juniors fish a summer league match on the Big Waters.

Sunday: Corbridge Riverside Sports Club are the hosts for a Tyne Rivers Trust Try Fishing from 10am-3pm on the south side of the Tyne at Corbridge, and is free to everyone. Tuition in both fly casting and float fishing for beginners, plus learning about life in the river will take place. Jim Fearn will give Fly casting demonstrations. Also Open Matches are scheduled for The Angel, The Oaks, Woodlands, Carp Vale and Raker Lake, and a Super League Team match takes place on Sessay. Big Waters AC have an away day visiting Woodlands, that incorporates their Yorkshire Cup. Ring Jim or Jean Appleby on 0191-2921415 to book.

Monday: Langley Park AC hold an evening series match on Tursdale, fishing from 6.30-9.30pm.

Tuesday: Tyneside Division of the Pike Anglers Club have a meeting at Blaydon CIU Club Blaydon, while Big Waters fish an evening series on Dissington Pond

Wednesday: Open at Woodlands and the Angel.

Thursday: Open on The Oaks.

Friday: Afternoon match on The Angel, while CADCAC fish an evening match on Crofton